Boston‘s been slammed by a ton of snow this year and it feels like the blizzard blues might hang in here for a while. And all this unending wintery weather started me thinking that bears just may have the right idea with that whole deep hibernation thing. So in the spirit of drinking and cocooning when the wintery mix hits the fan, here’s an insider’s take on a couple of classic Boston Beer Caves you might want to hole-up in.

If you’re over near Cambridge/Back Bay, then Bukowski’s Tavern is the only place you want to be. This cash-only cave of wonders boasts a massive drinks binder, a draft wheel that you can spin when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and the finest damn hangover-fixing burger you’ll ever bite into. It also features the Dead Authors Club, the best excuse to try new craft beers that you’ll ever come across. Order and consume 100+ pints in a 6-month stretch and you earn bragging rights, a mug inscribed with the name of your favorite deceased author, and discounts on future drafts (assuming you can stomach more).

There are of course a ridiculous number of great beers one can try at Bukowski’s, but Mayflower Brewing’s 5^th Anniversary Ale, their limited-batch double IPA, is a perfect way to fend off serious snow. For those of you planning on beer-caving for a while, pacing yourself with Gritty McDuff’s Black Fly Stout is the way to go. At 4.10% ABV, Black Fly Stout is brewed with having several in mind and is a brilliant alternative to trudging through slush piles.

If you’re in the downtown Boston area, then best you head to Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale for the ultimate beer cave experience. One glimpse of their large wrought-iron street lamp taking up the middle of the room and you might think you’re in Narnia. This downtown landmark can be magical on a cold winter’s night, and the beer they serve can be equally brilliant. Come for the rotating taps and no-nonsense bartenders but don’t forget to try their lobster hushpuppies while you’re at it. Stoddard’s also has a bird’s-eye view balcony that’s perfect for warming up with one of their trademark Spanish coffees (a torched wine glass rimmed with sugar, filled with 151 proof rum, Kahlua and triple sec!).

But if you’re sticking with beer (and I suggest that you do), then Dark Horse’s Plead The 5^th Imperial Stout might be your best play. This Imperial winter warmer is massively roasted and the next best thing to sitting in front of a roaring fire.

Winter’s in its final phase and we’ll hopefully start seeing some signs of spring soon. But until I’m absolutely sure that the weather has broken, I’m staying put in one of Boston’s famous beer caves – and so should you.